The 2008–2009 season was Hereford United's 28th season in the Football League and they competed in League One, the third tier of English football. Hereford's previous season at this level was the 1977-78 season when they finished 23rd - despite having won the same division just two years previously.

Hereford struggled in League One, and after the first 15 matches they were bottom with 9 points. For the vast majority of the season the Bulls were in the relegation zone and were relegated on 18 April after a sixth consecutive defeat - their worst form of the season. Hereford did manage to achieve the double over both Cheltenham Town and Carlisle United. Their two other notable results were a 5-0 home win over Oldham Athletic, and a 2-0 home win over Leeds United.

Graham Turner stepped down as manager following confirmation of relegation and appointed John Trewick, first team coach for the last 5 seasons, as the new manager for the remaining two matches of the season and beyond.